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Here’s the premise that we need to operate under right from the get-go: No one knows anything. There are dozens of these things floating around and while some are obviously more informed than others, no one has a clue what will happen for sure in Thursday’s NBA draft.

Heck, with all the incessant trade talk being bandied about, it’s impossible to say who is going to pick, let alone who’ll they take.

But because it’s fun to put oneself out there, here we go.

After some chatter with scouts and coaches and front office personnel — and, yes, after reading the work of others — here’s a 100 per cent, dead certain, take-it-to-the-bank look at the top 20 picks in the NBA draft.

Back-to-back No. 1s for Canada? Sure, why not. Reports suggest the Cavs are torn between Wiggins and Jabari Parker; Parker might be more ready now, Wiggins could be special and since Cleveland isn’t going to be really good for a really long time, why not take the more promising kid? Plus, it’s a better story for us and it’s OK to cheer for your story.

Milwaukee

Jabari Parker

6-8 forward, Duke

No. 2 in this draft, right now, is a perfect spot. It’s not really akin to the Greg Oden-Kevin Durant year but it’s close. The Bucks can sit back and pounce on whoever Cleveland doesn’t take.

Philadelphia

Dante Exum

6-6 guard, Australia

The most intriguing player in the draft, the combo guard has all kinds of skill and very little experience. A good fit for a growing roster.

Orlando

Marcus Smart

6-3 guard, Oklahoma State

Smart’s tough and defensive minded and may not be the most gifted athlete but another good fit for a team trying to gain some respect.

Utah

Noah Vonleh

6-10 forward, Indiana

NBA-ready big man would fill a void for the Jazz, a solid complement to Derrick Favours.

Boston

Joel Embiid

7-0 centre, Kansas

Someone has to take a shot on the player many feel has the most potential of anyone in the draft. The Celtics can wait on him to get over his foot woes and did all right with the questionable back of Jared Sullinger a year ago.

L.A. Lakers

Julius Randle

6-9 forward, Kentucky

With so many questions about the future of Pau Gasol, a young forward would seem to be the logical selection.

Sacramento

Elfrid Payton

6-4 guard, Louisiana-Lafayette

This is where it gets tricky because everyone is speculating the Kings will move this pick in some transaction. If they don’t, the point guard seems to be a logical selection.

Charlotte

Nik Stauskas

6-6 guard, Michigan

The Hornets need shooting like humans need air and that’s what Stauskas does. The Mississauga native is also more athletic than you’d think and should allow Charlotte to bypass Doug McDermott here.

Philadelphia

(From New Orleans)

Dario Saric

6-10 forward, Croatia

There are buyout questions but the Sixers should be more than willing to wait and stash their second first-round pick in Europe if need be.

Denver

Aaron Gordon

6-9 forward, Arizona

Athletic big man might be a perfect fit in the rare air of Denver and being able to step right it.

Orlando

(From New York via Denver)

Doug McDermott

6-8 forward, Creighton

He can shoot, no question about it. Put him with Smart and Victor Oladipo and that’s not a bad young threesome.

Minnesota

Adrien Payne

6-10 forward, Michigan State

Another franchise in flux with the Kevin Love situation swirling around; they may add picks in a trade but Payne’s a good fit regardless.

Phoenix

Gary Harris

6-4 guard, Michigan State

His stock has risen over the pre-draft period and he gives the Suns even more young talent.

Atlanta

T.J. Warren

6-8 forward, North Carolina State

An accomplished scorer should blend in well with Atlanta’s perimeter-based offence coming off the bench.

Chicago

(From Charlotte)

Rodney Hood

6-8 guard-forward, Duke

An athlete on the perimeter who can score? Just what the Bulls need and Tom Thibodeau can teach him to be a better defender.

Boston

(From Brooklyn)

Kyle Anderson

6-8 forward, UCLA

Anderson’s a combo guard who would provide some backcourt versatility and take some pressure off Rajon Rondo.

Phoenix

(From Washington)

Jusuf Nurkic

6-11 centre, Croatia

Maybe a draft-and-stash for the Suns, who are almost too young as it is and can afford to wait.

Chicago

Shabazz Napier

6-1 guard, Connecticut

Rumours are the Bulls are enamoured of the young guard who would fill a backup need for the foreseeable future.

Toronto

Tyler Ennis

6-2 guard, Syracuse

The hometown kid becomes the first local ever drafted by Raptors and gets picked entirely on merit. He may not be flashy but he is a solid leader and has many fans among Toronto’s brain trust.

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